REG:
AGY: Insurance Commission 69
PRD: 20000225
REG: 2509
PRI: 2
PRV: 24
STA: Proposed
AUT: 38-3-110, 38-9-180, 1-23-110,et seq
SUB: Annuity Mortality Tables
HST: 2509
BY DATE ACTION DESCRIPTION COM VOL/ISSUE EXP DATE R. NUM
___ ________ __________________________ _______ ___________ __________ _______
- 20000225 Proposed Reg Published in SR 24/2
TXT:
Document No. 2509
DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE
Chapter 69
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 38-3-110, et seq., 1-23-110, et seq., 38-9-180, et seq.
69-37. Annuity Mortality Tables
Preamble:
The Department of Insurance proposes to amend Regulation 69-37, Annuity Mortality Tables. The purpose of this amendment is to update the mortality tables to better reflect current experience for all annuity products issued in South Carolina by implementing the Annuity 2000 Mortality Tables.
Notice of Public Hearing:
The Administrative Law Judge Division will conduct a public hearing for the purpose of receiving oral comments on April 6, 2000 at 9:30 a.m. in Hearing Room at 1205 Pendleton Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29202. Interested persons should submit their views in writing to: Gwendolyn L. Fuller, South Carolina Department of Insurance, Post Office Box 100105, Columbia, South Carolina 29202-3105 on or before April 6, 2000.
REGULATION 69-37
ANNUITY DISCLOSURE
Table of Contents
Section 1. Purpose
Section 2. Authority
Section 3. Applicability and Scope
Section 4. Definitions
Section 5. Standards for the Disclosure Document and Buyer’s Guide
Section 6. Report to Contract Owners
Section 7. Penalties
Section 8 Separability
Section 9. Effective Date
Appendix A. Buyer’s Guide
Section 1. Purpose
The purpose of this regulation is to provide standards for the disclosure of certain minimum information about annuity contracts to protect consumers and foster consumer education. The regulation specifies the minimum information which must be disclosed and the method for disclosing it in connection with the sale of annuity contracts. The goal of this regulation is to ensure that purchasers of annuity contracts understand certain basic features of annuity contracts.
Section 2. Authority
This regulation is issued based upon the authority granted the commissioner under Section 38-3-110.
Section 3. Applicability and Scope
This regulation applies to all group and individual annuity contracts and certificates except:
A. Registered or non-registered variable annuities or other registered products;
B. Immediate and deferred annuities that contain no nonguaranteed elements;
C. (1) Annuities used to fund:
An employee pension plan which is covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA);
A plan described by Sections 401(a), 401(k) or 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, where the plan, for purposes of ERISA, is established or maintained by an employer,
A governmental or church plan defined in Section 414 or a deferred compensation plan of a state or local government or a tax exempt organization under Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code; or
A nonqualified deferred compensation arrangement established or maintained by an employer or plan sponsor.
(2) Notwithstanding Paragraph (1), the regulation shall apply to annuities used to fund a plan or arrangement that is funded solely by contributions an employee elects to make whether on a pre-tax or after-tax basis, and where the insurance company has been notified that plan participants may choose from among two (2) or more fixed annuity providers and there is a direct solicitation of an individual employee by a producer for the purchase of an annuity contract. As used in this subsection, direct solicitation shall not include any meeting held by a producer solely for the purpose of educating or enrolling employees in the plan or arrangement;
Structured settlement annuities;
Charitable gift annuities; and
Funding agreements.
Section 4. Definitions
For the purposes of this regulation:
A. “Charitable gift annuity” means a transfer of cash or other property by a donor to a charitable organization in return for an annuity payable over one or two lives, under which the actuarial value of the annuity is less than the value of the cash or other property transferred and the difference in value constitutes a charitable deduction for federal tax purposes, but does not include a charitable remainder trust or a charitable lead trust or other similar arrangement where the charitable organization does not issue an annuity and incur a financial obligation to guarantee annuity payments.
B. “Contract owner” means the owner named in the annuity contract or certificate holder in the case of a group annuity contract.
C. “Determinable elements” means elements that are derived from processes or methods that are guaranteed at issue and not subject to company discretion, but where the values or amounts cannot be determined until some point after issue. These elements include the premiums, credited interest rates (including any bonus), benefits, values, non-interest based credits, charges or elements of formulas used to determine any of these. These elements may be described as guaranteed but not determined at issue. An element is considered determinable if it was calculated from underlying determinable elements only, or from both determinable and guaranteed elements.
“Funding agreement” means an agreement for an insurer to accept and accumulate funds and to make one or more payments at future dates in amounts that are not based on mortality or morbidity contingencies.
E. “Generic name” means a short title descriptive of the annuity contract being applied for or illustrated such as “single premium deferred annuity.”
F. “Guaranteed elements” means the premiums, credited interest rates (including any bonus), benefits, values, non-interest based credits, charges or elements of formulas used to determine any of these, that are guaranteed and determined at issue. An element is considered guaranteed if all of the underlying elements that go into its calculation are guaranteed.
G. “Non-guaranteed elements” means the premiums, credited interest rates (including any bonus), benefits, values, non-interest based credits, charges or elements of formulas used to determine any of these, that are subject to company discretion and are not guaranteed at issue. An element is considered non-guaranteed if any of the underlying non-guaranteed elements are used in its calculation.
H. “Structured settlement annuity” means a “qualified funding asset” as defined in section 130(d) of the Internal Revenue Code or an annuity that would be a qualified funding asset under section 130(d) but for the fact that it is not owned by an assignee under a qualified assignment.
Section 5. Standards for the Disclosure Document and Buyer’s Guide
A. (1) Where the application for an annuity contract is taken in a face-to-face meeting, the applicant shall at or before the time of application be given both the disclosure document described in Subsection B and the Buyer’s Guide contained in Appendix A.
(2) Where the application for an annuity contract is taken by means other than in a face-to-face meeting, the applicant shall be sent both the disclosure document and the Buyer’s Guide no later than five (5) business days after the completed application is received by the insurer.
(a) With respect to an application received as a result of a direct solicitation through the mail:
(i) Providing a Buyer’s Guide in a mailing inviting prospective applicants to apply for an annuity contract shall be deemed to satisfy the requirement that the Buyer’s Guide be provided no later than five (5) business days after receipt of the application.
(ii) Providing a disclosure document in a mailing inviting a prospective applicant to apply for an annuity contract shall be deemed to satisfy the requirement that the disclosure document be provided no later than five (5) business days after receipt of the application.
(b) With respect to an application received via the Internet:
(i) Taking reasonable steps to make the Buyer’s Guide available for viewing and printing on the insurer’s website shall be deemed to satisfy the requirement that the Buyer’s Guide be provided no later than five (5) business day of receipt of the application.
(ii) Taking reasonable steps to make the disclosure document available for viewing and printing on the insurer’s website shall be deemed to satisfy the requirement that the disclosure document be provided no later than five (5) business days after receipt of the application.
(c) A solicitation for an annuity contract provided in other than a face-to-face meeting shall include a statement that the proposed applicant may contact the insurance department of the state for a free annuity Buyer’s Guide. In lieu of the foregoing statement, an insurer may include a statement that the prospective applicant may contact the insurer for a free annuity Buyer’s Guide.
(3) Where the Buyer’s Guide and disclosure document are not provided at or before the time of application, a free look period of no less than fifteen (15) days shall be provided for the applicant to return the annuity contract without penalty. This free look shall run concurrently with any other free look provided under state law or regulation.
B. At a minimum, the following information shall be included in the disclosure document required to be provided under this regulation:
(1) The generic name of the contract, the company product name, if different, and form number, and the fact that it is an annuity;
(2) The insurer’s name and address;
(3) A description of the contract and its benefits, emphasizing its long-term nature, including examples where appropriate:
(a) The guaranteed, non-guaranteed and determinable elements of the contract, and their limitations, if any, and an explanation of how they operate;
(b) An explanation of the initial crediting rate, specifying any bonus or introductory portion, the duration of the rate and the fact that rates may change from time to time and are not guaranteed;
(c) Periodic income options both on a guaranteed and non-guaranteed basis;
(d) Any value reductions caused by withdrawals from or surrender of the contract;
(e) How values in the contract can be accessed;
(f) The death benefit, if available and how it will be calculated;
(g) A summary of the federal tax status of the contract and any penalties applicable on withdrawal of values from the contract; and
(h) Impact of any rider, such as a long-term care rider.
(4) Specific dollar amount or percentage charges and fees shall be listed with an explanation of how they apply.
(5) Information about the current guaranteed rate for new contracts that contains a clear notice that the rate is subject to change.
C. Insurers shall define terms used in the disclosure statement in language that facilitates the understanding by a typical person within the segment of the public to which the disclosure statement is directed.
Section 6. Report to Contract Owners
For annuities in the payout period with changes in non-guaranteed elements and for the accumulation period of a deferred annuity, the insurer shall provide each contract owner with a report, at least annually, on the status of the contract that contains at least the following information:
A. The beginning and end date of the current report period;
B. The accumulation and cash surrender value, if any, at the end of the previous report period and at the end of the current report period;
C. The total amounts, if any, that have been credited, charged to the contract value or paid during the current report period; and
D. The amount of outstanding loans, if any, as of the end of the current report period.
Section 7. Penalties
In addition to any other penalties provided by the laws of this state, an insurer or producer that violates a requirement of this regulation shall be guilty of a violation of Section 38-57-40.
Section 8. Separability
If any provision of this regulation or its application to any person or circumstance is for any reason held to be invalid by any court of law, the remainder of the regulation and its application to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected.
Section 9. Effective Date
This regulation shall become effective 120 days after adoption and shall apply to contracts sold on or after the effective date.
APPENDIXΧBUYER’S GUIDE TO FIXED DEFERRED ANNUITIES
[The face page of the Fixed Deferred Annuity Buyer’s Guide shall read as follows:]
Prepared by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners is an association of state insurance regulatory officials. This association helps the various insurance departments to coordinate insurance laws for the benefit of all consumers.
This guide does not endorse any company or policy.
Reprinted by. . .
It is important that you understand the differences among various annuities so you can choose the kind that best fits your needs. This guide focuses on fixed deferred annuity contracts. There is, however, a brief description of variable annuities. If you’re thinking of buying an equity-indexed annuity, an appendix to this guide will give you specific information. This Guide isn’t meant to offer legal, financial or tax advice. You may want to consult independent advisors. At the end of this Guide are questions you should ask your agent or the company. Make sure you’re satisfied with the answers before you buy.
WHAT IS AN ANNUITY?
An annuity is a contract in which an insurance company makes a series of income payments at regular intervals in return for a premium or premiums you have paid. Annuities are most often bought for future retirement income. Only an annuity can pay an income that can be guaranteed to last as long as you live.
An annuity is neither a life insurance nor a health insurance policy. It’s not a savings account or a savings certificate. You shouldn’t buy an annuity to reach short-term financial goals.
Your value in an annuity contract is the premiums you’ve paid, less any applicable charges, plus interest credited. The insurance company uses the value to figure the amount of most of the benefits that you can choose to receive from an annuity contract. This guide explains how interest is credited as well as some typical charges and benefits of annuity contracts.
A deferred annuity has two parts or periods. During the accumulation period, the money you put into the annuity, less any applicable charges, earns interest. The earnings grow tax-deferred as long as you leave them in the annuity. During the second period, called the payout period, the company pays income to you or to someone you choose.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF ANNUITIES?
This guide explains major differences in different kinds of annuities to help you understand how each might meet your needs. But look at the specific terms of an individual contract you’re considering and the disclosure document you receive. If your annuity is being used to fund or provide benefits under a pension plan the benefits you get will depend on the terms of the plan. Contact your pension plan administrator for information.
This Buyer’s Guide will focus on individual fixed deferred annuities.
Single Premium or Multiple Premium
You pay the insurance company only one payment for a single premium annuity. You make a series of payments for a multiple premium annuity. There are two kinds of multiple premium annuities. One kind is a flexible premium contract. Within set limits, you pay as much premium as you want, whenever you want. In the other kind, a scheduled premium annuity, the contract spells out your payments and how often you’ll make them.
Immediate or Deferred
With an immediate annuity, income payments start no later than one year after you pay the premium. You usually pay for an immediate annuity with one payment.
The income payments from a deferred annuity often start many years later. Deferred annuities have an accumulation period, which is the time between when you start paying premiums and when income payments start.
Fixed or Variable
Fixed
During the accumulation period of a fixed deferred annuity, your money (less any applicable charges) earns interest at rates set by the insurance company or in a way spelled out in the annuity contract. The company guarantees that it will pay no less than a minimum rate of interest. During the payout period, the amount of each income payment to you is generally set when the payments start and will not change.
Variable
During the accumulation period of a variable annuity the insurance company puts your premiums (less any applicable charges) into a separate account. You decide how the company will invest those premiums, depending on how much risk you want to take. You may put your premium into a stock, bond or other account, with no guarantees, or into a fixed account, with a minimum guaranteed interest. During the payout period of a variable annuity, the amount of each income payment to you may be fixed (set at the beginning) or variable (changing with the value of the investments in the separate account).
HOW ARE THE INTEREST RATES SET FOR MY FIXED DEFERRED ANNUITY?
During the accumulation period, your money (less any applicable charges) earns interest at rates that change from time to time. Usually, what these rates will be is entirely up to the insurance company.
Current Interest Rate
The current rate is the rate the company decides to credit to your contract at a particular time. The company will guarantee it will not change for some time period.
The initial rate is an interest rate the insurance company may credit for a set period of time after you first buy your annuity. The initial rate in some contracts may be higher than it will be later. This is often called a bonus rate.
The renewal rate is the rate credited by the company after the end of the set time period. The contract tells how the company will set the renewal rate, which may be tied to an external reference or index.
Minimum Guaranteed Rate
The minimum guaranteed interest rate is the lowest rate your annuity will earn. This rate is stated in the contract.
Multiple Interest Rates
Some annuity contracts apply different interest rates to each premium you pay or to premiums you pay during different time periods.
Other annuity contracts may have two or more accumulated values that fund different benefit options. These accumulated values may use different interest rates. You get only one of the accumulated values depending on which benefit you choose.
WHAT CHARGES MAY BE SUBTRACTED FROM MY FIXED DEFERRED ANNUITY?
Most annuities have charges related to the cost of selling or servicing it. These charges may be subtracted directly from the contract value. Ask your agent or the company to describe the charges that apply to your annuity. Some examples of charges, fees and taxes are:
Surrender or Withdrawal Charges
If you need access to your money, you may be able to take all or part of the value out of your annuity at any time during the accumulation period. If you take out part of the value, you may pay a withdrawal charge. If you take out all of the value and surrender, or terminate, the annuity, you may pay a surrender charge. In either case, the company may figure the charge as a percentage of the value of the contract, of the premiums you’ve paid or of the amount you’re withdrawing. The company may reduce or even eliminate the surrender charge after you’ve had the contract for a stated number of years. A company may waive the surrender charge when it pays a death benefit.
Some annuities have stated terms. When the term is up, the contract may automatically expire or renew. You’re usually given a short period of time, called a window, to decide if you want to renew or surrender the annuity. If you surrender during the window, you won’t have to pay surrender charges. If you renew, the surrender or withdrawal charges may start over.
In some annuities, there is no charge if you surrender your contract when the company’s current interest rate falls below a certain level. This may be called a bail-out option.
In a multiple-premium annuity, the surrender charge may apply to each premium paid for a certain period of time. This may be called a rolling surrender or withdrawal charge.
Some annuity contracts have a market value adjustment feature. If interest rates are different when you surrender your annuity than when you bought it, a market value adjustment may make the cash surrender value higher or lower. Since you and the insurance company share this risk, an annuity with a MVA feature may credit a higher rate than an annuity without that feature.
Be sure to read the Tax Treatment section and ask your tax advisor for information about possible tax penalties on withdrawals.
Free Withdrawal
Your annuity may have a limited free withdrawal feature. That lets you make one or more withdrawals without a charge. The size of the free withdrawal is often limited to a set percentage of your contract value. If you make a larger withdrawal, you may pay withdrawal charges. You may lose any interest above the minimum guaranteed rate on the amount withdrawn. Some annuities waive withdrawal charges in certain situations, such as death, confinement in a nursing home or terminal illness.
Contract Fee
A contract fee is a flat dollar amount charged either once or annually.
Transaction Fee
A transaction fee is a charge per premium payment or other transaction.
Percentage of Premium Charge
A percentage of premium charge is a charge deducted from each premium paid. The percentage may be lower after the contract has been in force for a certain number of years or after total premiums paid have reached a certain amount.
Premium Tax
Some states charge a tax on annuities. The insurance company pays this tax to the state. The company may subtract the amount of the tax when you pay your premium, when you withdraw your contract value, when you start to receive income payments or when it pays a death benefit to your beneficiary.
WHAT ARE SOME FIXED DEFERRED ANNUITY CONTRACT BENEFITS?
Annuity Income Payments
One of the most important benefits of deferred annuities is your ability to use the value built up during the accumulation period to give you a lump sum payment or to make income payments during the payout period. Income payments are usually made monthly but you may choose to receive them less often. The size of income payments is based on the accumulated value in your annuity and the annuity’s benefit rate in effect when income payments start. The benefit rate usually depends on your age and sex, and the annuity payment option you choose. For example, you might choose payments that continue as long as you live, as long as your spouse lives or for a set number of years.
There is a table of guaranteed benefit rates in each annuity contract. Most companies have current benefit rates as well. The company can change the current rates at any time, but the current rates can never be less than the guaranteed benefit rates. When income payments start, the insurance company generally uses the benefit rate in effect at that time to figure the amount of your income payment.
Companies may offer various income payment options. You (the owner) or another person that you name may choose the option. The options are described here as if the payments are made to you.
Life Only - The company pays income for your lifetime. It doesn’t make any payments to anyone after you die. This payment option usually pays the highest income possible. You might choose it if you have no dependents, if you have taken care of them through other means or if the dependents have enough income of their own.
Life Annuity with Period Certain - The company pays income for as long as you live and guarantees to make payments for a set number of years even if you die. This period certain is usually 10 or 20 years. If you live longer than the period certain, you’ll continue to receive payments until you die. If you die during the period certain, your beneficiary gets regular payments for the rest of that period. If you die after the period certain, your beneficiary doesn’t receive any payments from your annuity. Because the “period certain” is an added benefit, each income payment will be smaller than in a life-only option.
Joint and Survivor - The company pays income as long as either you or your beneficiary lives. You may choose to decrease the amount of the payments after the first death. You may also be able to choose to have payments continue for a set length of time. Because the survivor feature is an added benefit, each income payment is smaller than in a life-only option.
Death Benefit
In some annuity contracts, the company may pay a death benefit to your beneficiary if you die before the income payments start. The most common death benefit is the contract value or the premiums paid, whichever is more.
CAN MY ANNUITY’S VALUE BE DIFFERENT DEPENDING ON MY CHOICE OF BENEFIT?
While all deferred annuities offer a choice of benefits, some use different accumulated values to pay different benefits. For example, an annuity may use one value if annuity payments are for retirement benefits and a different value if the annuity is surrendered. As another example, an annuity may use one value for long-term care benefits and a different value if the annuity is surrendered. You can’t receive more than one benefit at the same time.
WHAT ABOUT THE TAX TREATMENT OF ANNUITIES?
Below is a general discussion about taxes and annuities. You should consult a professional tax advisor to discuss your individual tax situation.
Under current federal law, annuities receive special tax treatment. Income tax on annuities is deferred, which means you aren’t taxed on the interest your money earns while it stays in the annuity. Tax-deferred accumulation isn’t the same as tax-free accumulation. An advantage of tax deferral is that the tax bracket you’re in when you receive annuity income payments may be lower than the one you’re in during the accumulation period. You’ll also be earning interest on the amount you would have paid in taxes during the accumulation period. Most states’ tax laws on annuities follow the federal law.
Part of the payments you receive from an annuity will be considered as a return of the premium you’ve paid. You won’t have to pay taxes on that part. Another part of the payments is considered interest you’ve earned. You must pay taxes on the part that is considered interest when you withdraw the money. You may also have to pay a 10% tax penalty if you withdraw the accumulation before age 59 1/2. The Internal Revenue Code also has rules about distributions after the death of a contract holder.
Annuities used to fund certain employee pension benefit plans (those under Internal Revenue Code Sections 401(a), 401(k), 403(b), 457 or 414) defer taxes on plan contributions as well as on interest or investment income. Within the limits set by the law, you can use pretax dollars to make payments to the annuity. When you take money out, it will be taxed.
You can also use annuities to fund traditional and Roth IRAs under Internal Revenue Code Section 408. If you buy an annuity to fund an IRA, you’ll receive a disclosure statement describing the tax treatment.
WHAT IS A “FREE LOOK” PROVISION?
Many states have laws which give you a set number of days to look at the annuity contract after you buy it. If you decide during that time that you don’t want the annuity, you can return the contract and get all your money back. This is often referred to as a free look or right to return period. The free look period should be prominently stated in your contract. Be sure to read your contract carefully during the free look period.
HOW DO I KNOW IF A FIXED DEFERRED ANNUITY IS RIGHT FOR ME?
The questions listed below may help you decide which type of annuity, if any, meets your retirement planning and financial needs. You should think about what your goals are for the money you may put into the annuity. You need to think about how much risk you’re willing to take with the money. Ask yourself:
How much retirement income will I need in addition to what I will get from Social Security and my pension?
Will I need that additional income only for myself or for myself and someone else?
How long can I leave my money in the annuity?
When will I need income payments?
Does the annuity let me get money when I need it?
Do I want a fixed annuity with a guaranteed interest rate and little or no risk of losing the principal?
Do I want a variable annuity with the potential for higher earnings that aren’t guaranteed and the possibility that I may risk losing principal?
Or, am I somewhere in between and willing to take some risks with an equity-indexed annuity?
WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK MY AGENT OR THE COMPANY?
Is this a single premium or multiple premium contract?
Is this an equity-indexed annuity?
What is the initial interest rate and how long is it guaranteed?
Does the initial rate include a bonus rate and how much is the bonus?
What is the guaranteed minimum interest rate?
What renewal rate is the company crediting on annuity contracts of the same type that were issued last year?
Are there withdrawal or surrender charges or penalties if I want to end my contract early and take out all of my money? How much are they?
Can I get a partial withdrawal without paying surrender or other charges or losing interest?
Does my annuity waive withdrawal charges for reasons such as death, confinement in a nursing home or terminal illness?
Is there a market value adjustment (MVA) provision in my annuity?
What other charges, if any, may be deducted from my premium or contract value?
If I pick a shorter or longer payout period or surrender the annuity, will the accumulated value or the way interest is credited change?
Is there a death benefit? How is it set? Can it change?
What income payment options can I choose? Once I choose a payment option, can I change it?
FINAL POINTS TO CONSIDER
Before you decide to buy an annuity, you should review the contract. Terms and conditions of each annuity contract will vary.
Ask yourself if, depending on your needs or age, this annuity is right for you. Taking money out of an annuity may mean you must pay taxes. Also, while it’s sometimes possible to transfer the value of an older annuity into a new annuity, the new annuity may have a new schedule of charges that could mean new expenses you must pay directly or indirectly.
You should understand the long-term nature of your purchase. Be sure you plan to keep an annuity long enough so that the charges don’t take too much of the money you put in. Be sure you understand the effect of all charges.
If you’re buying an annuity to fund an IRA or other tax-deferred retirement program, be sure that you’re eligible. Also, ask if there are any restrictions connected with the program.
Remember that the quality of service that you can expect from the company and the agent is a very important factor in your decision.
When you receive your annuity contract, READ IT CAREFULLY!! Ask the agent and company for an explanation of anything you don’t understand. Do this before any free look period ends.
Compare information for similar contracts from several companies. Comparing products may help you make a better decision.
If you have a specific question or can’t get answers you need from the agent or company, contact your state insurance department.
APPENDIX IΧEQUITY-INDEXED ANNUITIES
This appendix to the Buyer’s Guide for Fixed Deferred Annuities will focus on equity-indexed annuities. Like other types of fixed deferred annuities, equity-indexed annuities provide for annuity income payments, death benefits and tax-deferred accumulation. You should read the Buyer’s Guide for general information about those features and about provisions such as withdrawal and surrender charges.
WHAT ARE EQUITY-INDEXED ANNUITIES?
An equity-indexed annuity is a fixed annuity, either immediate or deferred, that earns interest or provides benefits that are linked to an external equity reference or an equity index. The value of the index might be tied to a stock or other equity index. One of the most commonly used indices is Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Price Index (the S&P 500)[1], which is an equity index. The value of any index varies from day to day and is not predictable.
When you buy an equity-indexed annuity you own an insurance contract. You are not buying shares of any stock or index.
While immediate equity-indexed annuities may be available, this appendix will focus on deferred equity-indexed annuities.
HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT FROM OTHER FIXED ANNUITIES?
An equity-indexed annuity is different from other fixed annuities because of the way it credits interest to your annuity’s value. Some fixed annuities only credit interest calculated at a rate set in the contract. Other fixed annuities also credit interest at rates set from time to time by the insurance company. Equity-indexed annuities credit interest using a formula based on changes in the index to which the annuity is linked. The formula decides how the additional interest, if any, is calculated and credited. How much additional interest you get and when you get it depends on the features of your particular annuity.
Your equity-indexed annuity, like other fixed annuities, also promises to pay a minimum interest rate. The rate that will be applied will not be less than this minimum guaranteed rate even if the index-linked interest rate is lower. The value of your annuity also will not drop below a guaranteed minimum. For example, many single premium contracts guarantee the minimum value will never be less than 90 percent of the premium paid, plus at least 3% in annual interest (less any partial withdrawals). The guaranteed value is the minimum amount available during a term for withdrawals, as well as for some annuitizations (see “Annuity Income Payments”) and death benefits. The insurance company will adjust the value of the annuity at the end of each term to reflect any index increases.
WHAT ARE SOME EQUITY-INDEXED ANNUITY CONTRACT FEATURES?
Two features that have the greatest effect on the amount of additional interest that may be credited to an equity-indexed annuity are the indexing method and the participation rate. It is important to understand the features and how they work together. The following describes some other equity-indexed annuity features that affect the index-linked formula.
Indexing Method
The indexing method means the approach used to measure the amount of change, if any, in the index. Some of the most common indexing methods, which are explained more fully later on, include annual reset (ratcheting), high-water mark and point-to-point.
Term
The index term is the period over which index-linked interest is calculated; the interest is credited to your annuity at the end of a term. Terms are generally from one to ten years, with six or seven years being most common. Some annuities offer single terms while others offer multiple, consecutive terms. If your annuity has multiple terms, there will usually be a window at the end of each term, typically 30 days, during which you may withdraw your money without penalty. For installment premium annuities, the payment of each premium may begin a new term for that premium.
Participation Rate
The participation rate decides how much of the increase in the index will be used to calculate index-linked interest. For example, if the calculated change in the index is 9% and the participation rate is 70%, the index-linked interest rate for your annuity will be 6.3% (9% x 70% = 6.3%). A company may set a different participation rate for newly issued annuities as often as each day. Therefore, the initial participation rate in your annuity will depend on when it is issued by the company. The company usually guarantees the participation rate for a specific period (from one year to the entire term). When that period is over, the company sets a new participation rate for the next period. Some annuities guarantee that the participation rate will never be set lower than a specified minimum or higher than a specified maximum.
Cap Rate or Cap
Some annuities may put an upper limit, or cap, on the index-linked interest rate. This is the maximum rate of interest the annuity will earn. In the example given above, if the contract has a 6% cap rate, 6%, and not 6.3%, would be credited. Not all annuities have a cap rate.
Floor on Equity Index-Linked Interest
The floor is the minimum index-linked interest rate you will earn. The most common floor is 0%. A 0% floor assures that even if the index decreases in value, the index-linked interest that you earn will be zero and not negative. As in the case of a cap, not all annuities have a stated floor on index-linked interest rates. But in all cases, your fixed annuity will have a minimum guaranteed value.
Averaging
In some annuities, the average of an index’s value is used rather than the actual value of the index on a specified date. The index averaging may occur at the beginning, the end, or throughout the entire term of the annuity.
Interest Compounding
Some annuities pay simple interest during an index term. That means index-linked interest is added to your original premium amount but does not compound during the term. Others pay compound interest during a term, which means that index-linked interest that has already been credited also earns interest in the future. In either case, however, the interest earned in one term is usually compounded in the next.
Margin/Spread/Administrative Fee
In some annuities, the index-linked interest rate is computed by subtracting a specific percentage from any calculated change in the index. This percentage, sometimes referred to as the “margin,” “spread,” or “administrative fee,” might be instead of, or in addition to, a participation rate. For example, if the calculated change in the index is 10%, your annuity might specify that 2.25% will be subtracted from the rate to determine the interest rate credited. In this example, the rate would be 7.75% (10% - 2.25% = 7.75%). In this example, the company subtracts the percentage only if the change in the index produces a positive interest rate.
Vesting
Some annuities credit none of the index-linked interest or only part of it, if you take out all your money before the end of the term. The percentage that is vested, or credited, generally increases as the term comes closer to its end and is always 100% at the end of the term.
HOW DO THE COMMON INDEXING METHODS DIFFER?
Annual Reset
Index-linked interest, if any, is determined each year by comparing the index value at the end of the contract year with the index value at the start of the contract year. Interest is added to your annuity each year during the term.
High-Water Mark
The index-linked interest, if any, is decided by looking at the index value at various points during the term, usually the annual anniversaries of the date you bought the annuity. The interest is based on the difference between the highest index value and the index value at the start of the term. Interest is added to your annuity at the end of the term.
Low-Water Mark
The index-linked interest, if any, is determined by looking at the index value at various points during the term, usually the annual anniversaries of the date you bought the annuity. The interest is based on the difference between the index value at the end of the term and the lowest index value. Interest is added to your annuity at the end of the term.
Point-to-Point
The index-linked interest, if any, is based on the difference between the index value at the end of the term and the index value at the start of the term. Interest is added to your annuity at the end of the term.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FEATURES AND TRADE-OFFS OF DIFFERENT INDEXING METHODS?
Generally, equity-indexed annuities offer preset combinations of features. You may have to make trade-offs to get features you want in an annuity. This means the annuity you chose may also have features you don’t want.
|Features |Trade-Offs |
|Annual Reset | |
| | |
|Since the interest earned is “locked in” annually and the index value is |Your annuity’s participation rate may change each year and generally will be|
|“reset” at the end of each year, future decreases in the index will not |lower than that of other indexing methods. Also an annual reset design may |
|affect the interest you have already earned. Therefore, your annuity using |use a cap or averaging to limit the total amount of interest you might earn |
|the annual reset method may credit more interest than annuities using other |each year. |
|methods when the index fluctuates up and down often during the term. This | |
|design is more likely than others to give you access to index-linked | |
|interest before the term ends. | |
|High-Water Mark | |
| | |
|Since interest is calculated using the highest value of the index on a |Interest is not credited until the end of the term. In some annuities, if |
|contract anniversary during the term, this design may credit higher interest|you surrender your annuity before the end of the term, you may not get |
|than some other designs if the index reaches a high point early or in the |index-linked interest for that term. In other annuities, you may receive |
|middle of the term, then drops off at the end of the term. |index-linked interest, based on the highest anniversary value to date and |
| |the annuity’s vesting schedule. Also, contracts with this design may have a |
| |lower participation rate than annuities using other designs or may use a cap|
| |to limit the total amount of interest you might earn. |
|Low-Water Mark | |
| | |
|Since interest is calculated using the lowest value of the index prior to |Interest is not credited until the end of the term. With some annuities, if|
|the end of the term, this design may credit higher interest than some other |you surrender your annuity before the end of the term, you may not get |
|designs if the index reaches a low point early or in the middle of the term |index-linked interest for that term. In other annuities, you may receive |
|and then rises at the end of the term. |index-linked interest based on a comparison of the lowest anniversary value |
| |to date with the index value at surrender and the annuity’s vesting |
| |schedule. Also, contracts with this design may have a lower participation |
| |rate than annuities using other designs or may use a cap to limit the total |
| |amount of interest you might earn. |
|Point-to-Point | |
| | |
|Since interest cannot be calculated before the end of the term, use of this |Since interest is not credited until the end of the term, typically six or |
|design may permit a higher participation rate than annuities using other |seven years, you may not be able to get the index-linked interest until the |
|designs. |end of the term. |
WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF SOME OTHER EQUITY-INDEXED ANNUITY PRODUCT FEATURES?
Cap on Interest Earned
While a cap limits the amount of interest you might earn each year, annuities with this feature may have other product features you want, such as annual interest crediting or the ability to take partial withdrawals. Also, annuities that have a cap may have a higher participation rate.
Averaging
Averaging at the beginning of a term protects you from buying your annuity at a high point, which would reduce the amount of interest you might earn. Averaging at the end of the term protects you against severe declines in the index and losing index-linked interest as a result. On the other hand, averaging may reduce the amount of index-linked interest you earn when the index rises either near the start or at the end of the term.
Participation Rate
The participation rate may vary greatly from one annuity to another and from time to time within a particular annuity. Therefore, it is important for you to know how your annuity’s participation rate works with the indexing method. A high participation rate may be offset by other features, such as simple interest, averaging, or a point-to-point indexing method. On the other hand, an insurance company may offset a lower participation rate by also offering a feature such as an annual reset indexing method.
Interest Compounding
It is important for you to know whether your annuity pays compound or simple interest during a term. While you may earn less from an annuity that pays simple interest, it may have other features you want, such as a higher participation rate.
WHAT WILL IT COST ME TO TAKE MY MONEY OUT BEFORE THE END OF THE TERM?
In addition to the information discussed in this Buyer’s Guide about surrender and withdrawal charges and free withdrawals, there are additional considerations for equity-indexed annuities. Some annuities credit none of the index-linked interest or only part of it if you take out money before the end of the term. The percentage that is vested, or credited, generally increases as the term comes closer to its end and is always 100% at the end of the term.
ARE DIVIDENDS INCLUDED IN THE INDEX?
Depending on the index used, stock dividends may or may not be included in the index’s value. For example, the S&P 500 is a stock price index and only considers the prices of stocks. It does not recognize any dividends paid on those stocks.
HOW DO I KNOW IF AN EQUITY-INDEXED ANNUITY IS RIGHT FOR ME?
The questions listed below may help you decide which type of annuity, if any, meets your retirement planning and financial needs. You should consider what your goals are for the money you may put into the annuity. You need to think about how much risk you’re willing to take with the money. Ask yourself:
Am I interested in a variable annuity with the potential for higher earnings that are not guaranteed and willing to risk losing the principal?
Is a guaranteed interest rate more important to me, with little or no risk of losing the principal?
Or, am I somewhere in between these two extremes and willing to take some risks?
HOW DO I KNOW WHICH EQUITY-INDEXED ANNUITY IS BEST FOR ME?
As with any other insurance product, you must carefully consider your own personal situation and how you feel about the choices available. No single annuity design may have all the features you want. It is important to understand the features and trade-offs available so you can choose the annuity that is right for you. Keep in mind that it may be misleading to compare one annuity to another unless you compare all the other features of each annuity. You must decide for yourself what combination of features makes the most sense for you. Also remember that it is not possible to predict the future behavior of an index.
QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK YOUR AGENT OR THE COMPANY
You should ask the following questions about equity-indexed annuities in addition to the questions in the Buyer’s Guide to Fixed Deferred Annuities.
How long is the term?
What is the guaranteed minimum interest rate?
What is the participation rate? For how long is the participation rate guaranteed?
Is there a minimum participation rate?
Does my contract have an interest rate cap? What is it?
Does my contract have an interest rate floor? What is it?
Is interest rate averaging used? How does it work?
Is interest compounded during a term?
Is there a margin, spread, or administrative fee? Is that in addition to or instead of a participation rate?
What indexing method is used in my contract?
What are the surrender charges or penalties if I want to end my contract early and take out all of my money?
Can I get a partial withdrawal without paying charges or losing interest? Does my contract have vesting? If so, what is the rate of vesting?
Final Points to Consider
Remember to read your annuity contract carefully when you receive it. Ask your agent or insurance company to explain anything you don’t understand. If you have a specific complaint or can’t get answers you need from the agent or company, contact your state insurance department.
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement:
No additional state funding is requested.
Statement of Need and Reasonableness:
The Department of Insurance is proposing these regulations to better reflect current experience for all annuity products.
Summary of Preliminary Assessment Report:
The promulgation of this Regulation will not result in substantial economic impact.
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S&P 500 is a registered trademark of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., used with permission.
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